of Melville, Sask.,
where he started a business in partnership with Mr. Moore, the first drug store
in the district. Prior to coming to Canada
Lieutenant

Combe served in England
with the London Fusiliers. He early associated himself with the Militia and
joined the 16th Sask. Light Horse. In 1915 he enlisted in the C.E.F., with the
53rd Bn., proceeding overseas in the autumn of 1915; went to France
with 27th Bn. saw action in all the battles and was killed at Fresnoy May 3rd, 1917; posthumously awarded
the V.C: Gazette, June 27th, 1917:

"Lt. Robert Grierson Combe, late Can. Inf. Bat. For most
conspicuous bravery and example. He steadied his company under intense fire,
and led them through the enemy barrage, reaching the objective with only five
men. With great coolness and courage Lt. Combe proceeded to bomb the enemy and
inflicted heavy

casualties.He collected small groups
of men and succeeded in capturing the company objective together with eight
prisoners. He repeatedly charged the enemy, driving them before him, and while
personally leading his bombers, was killed by a sniper.

"His conduct inspired all
ranks, and it was entirely due to his magnificent courage that the position was
secured and held.

"His fellow officers write
‘He was a splendid comrade, a first class officer, and a man of infinite charm,
whose cheery outlook on life and sense of honor enriched every topic he
touched.' "

As a citizen of Melville, Lt.
Combe holds an equally lasting memory, entering largely into all civic affairs
and their betterment. Member of the Council, president of the Board of Trade,
and the father of much of its sports; he himself a prominent athlete. When war
broke out, hearing the call of duty, he enlisted and was occompanied [sic]
overseas by his wife who served as a V.A.D. nurse in Scotland.
The publishers of this work wish to
incorporate this memorial to a gallant citizen of the Province.